DJ Daniel, 13-year-old cancer survivor, appointed by Donald Trump to Secret Service

US President Donald Trump, on Tuesday, appointed 13-year-old DJ Daniel, a brain cancer survivor from Houston, as a Secret Service agent.

Trump made the announcement during his address to a joint session of Congress on March 4.

"Joining us in the gallery tonight is a young man who truly loves our police," the 78-year-old said about DJ.


During his speech, Trump praised DJ for his strength and determination, explaining that DJ and his father had been working hard to make his dreams come true despite his health issues.

Trump then invited Sean Curran, the new Secret Service Director, to formally induct DJ as an honorary agent. The announcement was met with widespread applause from members of Congress, who showed their respect and admiration for DJ's bravery, even chanting "D-J!" to show their support across political lines.

Who is DJ Daniel?

DJ, dressed in a Houston police uniform, was seen sitting with his father in the gallery of the House of Representatives for the speech. Trump said that the teen had always dreamed of becoming a police officer.

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"Police departments love him. Tonight, DJ, we're going to do you the biggest honour of them all. I am asking our new Secret Service director Sean Curran to officially make you an agent of the United States Secret Service. Thank you, DJ," Trump said.

DJ was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018 and given just five months to live. That was over six years ago, Trump said. The US President’s description of the teen’s battle with cancer and his survival made the room erupted in applause.

Since then, DJ has been sworn in as an honorary law enforcement officer multiple times, the president added.

Daniel gets the badge from Curran

Daniel was given a badge by Sean Curran, who is notable for having protected Donald Trump during a shooting incident at a campaign event in Pennsylvania the previous year. After receiving the badge, Daniel held it up for the crowd to see and then hugged Curran.

In an unusual show of support for the president’s comments, Democratic Representative Laura Gillen from New York stood up and applauded DJ, showing bipartisan appreciation for the moment.

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High school senior to join Corps of Cadets

Later, Trump told high school senior Jason Hartley that his application to join the US Military Academy at West Point was accepted, adding that this was the "greatest dream.”

Trump mentioned that Hartley, who is set to join the Corps of Cadets, has always aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps. Afterward, DJ was seen giving Hartley a high-five in celebration.

FAQs:

Why was DJ Daniel appointed to the Secret Service?
DJ Daniel was appointed in recognition of his resilience and bravery after surviving brain cancer.

How old is DJ Daniel?
DJ Daniel is 13 years old.